UFC 173 Fightpass Prelims Recap: 3 Decisions

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

Jingliang Lee vs. David Michaud: Terrible fight, but I guess this is the first fight of the Fightpass Prelims, so that’s what you get. Neither fighter looked particularly sharp on the feet or on the ground. Jingliang Li won by split decision (29–28, 28–29 and 30–27), but I’d say he won decisively. The judge that had it 30–27 was closer to the truth.

Aaron Philips vs. Sam Sicilia: Aaron Philips looks like he has some potential with some really nice kicking techniques, but he was not prepared to brawl with Sam Sicilia. Sicilia didn’t give Philips any breathing room to get off his kicks and won a unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28 and 30–27).

Vinc Pichel vs. Anthony Njokuani: I had never seen Vinc Pichel fight before, but he looked really great and dominated Anthony Njokuani through three rounds. Part of it might have been that the combination of the eye poke and the kick to nuts that Njokuani took in the first round sapped him of some of his energy. The second round was particularly lopsided for Pichel, who took down Njokuani at will. Pichel took a unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28 and 30–27).